Anything about Everything

 I went out to dinner with a couple of girlfriends last night and we had quite a few great conversations. Sometimes you just need to go out with some friends who accept you for who you are, without expectations, and just be present.  To set the scene here - all of us are mid 30s. Two of the 3 of us that were out are married, and I am on my way to the altar in just over 6 months (holy crap), and two of the three of us are also moms (spoiler alert: I am not a mom...yet).  Out of respect of my friends' privacy I am not going to use names. However, I am going to say that these two women have been through hell and back in their lives at one point or another - and I am inspired by them all the time.  One of the conversations that came up after dinner was one about identity.  Often times, as life ebbs and flows for us, we adjust to who we are. This is an ongoing adventure. However - YOU get to decide who you are, what you are going to do with your life, who you are goi...

  It's been a year since my life was completely turned upside down. 365 days since I experienced an attack by nature in what I thought was supposed to be my safe space.  Life has a wonderful way of putting you on the path you are meant to be on. There is no denying that - and I will die on that hill. After much reflection and healing, it’s time to talk some truth. I will be clear - this is not to put anything out in the world that wasn’t already there.  Healing can be messy. Healing can hurt while it is in process. Healing is not linear. Healing is not easy.  As just about every person in my life knows, last summer was a tumultuous one. I had plans - and God said “nah, this will be better.” Or so I choose to believe. To some, this may be seen as toxic positivity. Not the point, but there will always be people who see others’ healing as toxic positivity.  I didn’t believe it at the time, but now?  This is where I’m supposed to be.  I had a grand plan of...

Just like every year is different than the last (with exception of 2020 & 2021…), 2022 will be one for the books. I’m not claiming the “new year new me” bullshit.. new year, same me, just healing from stuff I experienced this year that has weighed heavily on my shoulders.  2022 will start without Betty White & that.. is just not right. I’m SO sad!  2022 will be VERY busy for Mike and I. That does not mean we are going to neglect any of our people or plans. It DOES mean that we need to make sure we are on top of things and keeping everything organized! Something I’m good at ☺️ 2022 will not allow any negative energies or accounts in my space. There is only room for communication and understanding. And HONEST conversation. No more assumptions.  2022 will bring new adventures and memories - and they will be better than 2021!

  Highlights for 2021, in no particular order: Mike and I made things official (coming up on a year! 😍) Went to Houston, I’ve never been before Bought a new (to me) car Moved in with Mike Got to live with two of my dear friends for some time, making the issue a little easier to manage  Brought Mike to NC to spend time at Mom & Dad’s  Finally unleashed my gnome obsession - and it’s supported! Joined another direct sales company, allowing for an additional stream of income  Left an extremely toxic situation and grew from the experience 2022 will be a busy year - but it will also be the year I take charge of my life and learn that NO is a complete sentence and not feel the need to explain why I’m saying no. It will be the year we finally settle into our apartment, a year I challenge myself financially and spiritually, and above all else, love on my people. It will be the year I learn to slow down and enjoy the ride.

In my younger years, I always HAD to go out or be somewhere else for NYE. I couldn’t stay in - because I felt like I needed to be away from home to celebrate. As I’ve grown (annually and mentally), I have found that it’s not necessary to go out.  The last few years, I’ve gone to a good friends house, we’ve had Chinese food, and watched a Marvel movie or two until the ball dropped. One year, my college roommate and I got Chinese food and watched the ball drop. Last year, Mike and I watched South Park for a few hours, watched the ball drop, and then went to bed.  This year, we are getting home from travel at 8am on the 31st. Depending on how exhausted we are, we have been invited to a few friends homes - for small gatherings. Final plans are up in the air - but we’ll see where we end up!

I think that New Year’s Resolutions are helpful to guide us to our goals in the new year. They are often goals we have that, if we aren’t careful, could end up fizzling out by March.  I think having something to shoot for over the coming year is respectable. Having goals to better your life is so important in terms of growth and change.  Resolutions can be a slippery slope, though. If the resolutions are too strict, you’re setting yourself up for failure, deprivation, and disappointment. Restricting yourself too much only forces binging and overdoing whatever it is that was restricted. That’s not helpful in terms of reaching goals.  If you are someone who sets resolutions and sticks to them, I am in awe of you. I know where my discipline stops, and it’s usually around January 5th!  If you are someone who struggles to stick to resolutions, you are not alone.  Resolutions are hard for some and easy for others - so if you feel passionately about something you want ...

During the last week of the year this year… I’m feeling very blessed. This year was a MESS, and here I am at the end of the year stronger and better than when I entered it. My family is healthy, I have some of the most incredible humans in my close circle, and for the most part, things are alright. Sure, there are some things that I would love to see change. And they will. But that doesn’t mean I have to dwell on the stuff I don’t love. It’s a choice to be happy. It’s a choice to be miserable. Make your choice.  I am also feeling anxious this last week of the year. We have a LOT coming in 2022, and while I am nervous that I’m going to eff it up, I’ve been informed that I can’t - so that’s been a relief. But that  doesn’t mean I’m not worried!  I’m also anxious to see what next year will bring - but not in a bad way. I know I won’t have to move - so that is already less stress! I’m anxious to see how the year rolls - personally and professionally. I’m excited for the unkno...